Which theory of hearing suggests that different areas of the basilar membrane respond to different frequencies?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of how different frequencies of sound are processed in the ear, specifically through the basilar membrane, which is a key component of the cochlea in the inner ear. Place theory posits that specific areas along the basilar membrane are stimulated by different frequencies of sound. Higher frequencies tend to stimulate the hair cells located closer to the base of the cochlea, while lower frequencies affect the hair cells situated towards the apex. This spatial arrangement allows the brain to interpret the pitch of a sound based on the location of the greatest vibration along the membrane.

This theory fundamentally emphasizes the significance of the structure of the cochlea in auditory perception, correlating specific locations on the basilar membrane with particular pitches. Understanding this concept is crucial in explaining how we perceive a range of sounds and how certain cochlear disorders can affect our hearing abilities by impacting these specific areas.